20 These figures clifler in some degree from those supplied b}* the Tarquet and given later on under the heading of “Justice,” as the latter are based upon the official classification of the offences, an operation wliich takes a certain amount of time. Consequently the police returns, Avhich are made up in accordance with the dates of commission, are a batter indication of the amount of crime whicli has actually occurred in a given period. It should further be remembered that tiie terrorism exercised by the dangerous characters who come within the scope of this law is only partially represented by the returns of reported crime. In the many cases where their attempts at extorting blackmail were successful, nothing was heard of the matter by the local authorities, and there can be no doubt that the improvement in public security is far greater tliaii will ever be indicated by statistics. The measure has given universal satisfaction to the inhabitants of the country, and there are satisfactory indications that the villagers are regaining confidence, and are beginning to help the authorities when crimes are committed. In one of the most important provinces of Lower Egypt, throughout a whole month the perpetrators of every case of crime were arrested. I trust, therefore, that I am not over-sanguine in thinking that, not onlj'- will the measure, which I have described, have a speedy and permanent effect in improving the state of public security in the provinces, but that, in the long rim, it will conduce to the reformation of many human beings whose existence is at present merely a curse to themselves and their neisrliboiirs.

25. Central Administration and Police.

During 1909, an extensive scheme of reorganization, which comprehended practically all the departments of the- Ministry of the Interior, was undertaken. The important division of Public Security has been divided into two sections, the first concerned with what may be termed preventive measures, and the second charged with the detection of crime aud the preparation of criminal statistics. A technical bureau is ill course of formation with a view to training staff in the scientific methods employed in otlier countries in criminal investigations. The division has been strengthened by the appointment of two inspectors with legal qualifications to assist the provincial police in their investigations, aud has been placed under the control of a capable British official possessing expert knowledge.

A special branch has been organized to deal with matters concerning the provincial municipalities aud local commissions, of which there are now 39, including three new local commissions established last year. The efforts of this department are especially directed to developing the interest of provincial towns in the management of their own affairs, one of the principal difficulties with which it is at present necessary to contend being to make the members of some of these bodies understand that their institutions are not Government concerns, and that they are expected to take the initiative in carrying out local reforms.

The total strength of the police force at the end of last year was 379 officers (of whom 56 were Europeans) and 7,085 non-commissioned officers and men. It is satisfactory to record that, at the present time, the whole of the ordinary police, who do beat and patrol duty, including the fire brigade, are volunteers, in receipt of the increased rates of pay fixed in 1908 when compulsory service was abolished. Provision has been made in the budget of 1910 for an increase of the force both in Cairo and Alexandria, and for the creation of 13 new outposts in the provinces.

During the past year, the total quantity of hashish seized by the Coast-Guards, Customs, and police was 23,000 kilogrammes, as compared with 15,000 kilogrammes in 1908. The police instituted proceedings against 3,336 persons for the use of hashish in public establishments, and obtained convictions in 3,258 cases. There were also 37 prosecutions in Caii-o and Alexandria on account of gambling. In 29 cases convictions were obtained, there were four acquittals, and four cases are still pending. The number of prosecutions for the unauthorized sale of liquors was 159. 135 applications were received for licences to sell alcoholic drinks, of which 53 were refused.

26. Provincial Administration.

Ill addition to the Police Supervision Law, already described, various accessory measures have been introduced in the course of the last twelve months which will, if is hoped, have considerable effect in improving the state of public security in the villages.

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